Buying a note from Bank of America. Can it be done?

[Michael Hicks]

I recently ran across an individual who is losing her home due to foreclosure.  She's over $15,000 behind so catching up her payments and doing a lease option is not an option on this particular property.  The property is also in her deceased father's name and the bank is not willing to work with her on a short sale because she does not have power of attorney.  Her sister could help but they have decided it is too much work and they would just let the home go to the bank.  I have heard of people going to local banks, buying the note, and then foreclose on the property themselves.  Is this common practice and can it be done with a larger bank?  Since deciding they would let the property go, they have taken anything of value from the home, cabinets, appliances, fixtures, you name it, they took it short of the wiring and plumbing.  Things I would have replaced anyway.  Any ideas or suggestions?